Qin

Qin was an ancient state of China which existed from 897 BC to 221 BC, with Xianyang serving as its capital. It was founded after the Zhou reconquered lands previously lost to the Rong barbarians, and it was underdeveloped at the start of the Warring States Period. However, extensive Legalist reform in the 3rd century made Qin one of the dominant powers among the seven warring states, and it defeated the army of Chu at the Battle of Yangping before initiating its Conquest of Chu in 224 BC. A year later, Chu was forced to surrender, and, in 221 BC, King Ying Zheng proclaimed himself "Qin Shi Huangdi", founding the Qin dynasty.